There can be only one answer to this question - both types of products are among the best options for finishing floors. In part, therefore, it is unambiguous to say that it is better to have a parquet board or a laminate, it will be incorrect. But, nevertheless, there are some differences, which are the main factors when choosing a specific material. Before we elaborate on them, we should note the following.
What are the similarities of these types of flooring?
Firstly, , all samples have a multilayer structure( the so-called "pie").In part, the technology of their manufacture is the same.
Secondly, , both types of products can be stacked independently, in contrast, for example, from piece parquet. It's enough for a good owner to get acquainted with some nuances of such work, and not have to pay for someone's services.
Thirdly, , a list of all the necessary activities that are necessarily carried out before the installation, almost the same( alignment of the base, waterproofing, arrangement of the "substrate" and so on).
It turns out that in principle there is no big difference in what to use as a "finish" coating - a parquet board or a laminate. It can be understood if we look more closely at the question of which raw materials are used for making panels. It makes no sense to delve into all the subtleties of technology, it is enough to just stop at some points.
Laminate is a synthetic product. In its structure there are layers consisting of kraft paper, fiberboard, plastic. Plus - a protective coating( usually based on melamine resin), which increases the strength of the samples. The ends of the panels are treated with wax-based compositions, which avoids the absorption of liquids.
Products are divided into several varieties. It is worth noting that the classification itself has changed somewhat - to replace classes 21-24 came 31-34.Naturally, the higher the numerical index, the longer the material is. But its value also increases.
Parquet board is made of wood. Each layer is a separate plank. The only difference is that the upper one is made of valuable species( beech, oak and the like), and the rest - from conifers( mostly pine and spruce).Elements of the 1st and 3rd layers are oriented in parallel, while the middle( 2nd) plates are perpendicular to them. This results in an increase in the strength of the panels. As a protective coating, wax formulations or special varnishes are used.
In addition, it is important and what care is provided for the floor they have finished in everyday life. It is such a complete analysis will allow to more accurately determine what - laminate or parquet board - it is more appropriate to use as a "finish" finish for a particular room.
Differences in the properties of
Humidity
Both materials do not "like" it, because at the heart of each of them is wood, in one form or another( lamella, pressed chips).Although the parquet board is still more stable, given the raw materials used in production. Do not forget that in the laminate there is also paper, though specially processed.
Recommendation: in rooms with excessive humidity, in those where there is a risk of systematic water ingress to the floor, these materials should not be stacked. For example, for a bathroom it's better to dwell on another version of the finish, no matter how beautiful it looks in such panels on advertising photos, and for the kitchen you can use a moisture-resistant laminate.
Wear resistance
Here, the undoubted leader is laminate. Its protective layer is more durable. Therefore, it is recommended for stowage in rooms with intensive "permeability".And here the parquet board is more susceptible to mechanical influences, therefore even heels of "street" footwear can leave on it scratches. And the top cover is erased more intensively. That is why it is not recommended to mount it, for example, in hallways( corridors).
Heat loss
The surface, finished with a parquet board, will be much warmer. But if, for example, reliable thermal insulation is arranged, there is no basement room, a "warm floor" system is installed, then this advantage comes to naught.
Care
Laminate, taking into account the outer layer, can be washed( but not filled with water!).But the "board" is a relatively gentle material. Cleaning of such a floor is best done with a vacuum cleaner, in extreme cases - a slightly damp rag( well wrung out).
Lifetime
Logic tells( and Sellers) that according to this indicator the "palm tree" is a parquet board( how to choose it correctly, read here).All the same, a solid tree is not paper with particle board. But not always. More on this - just below.
Price
Perhaps this is the most difficult question, since it depends on many factors. This is the manufacturer, and class, and dimensions( including the thickness of the protective layers) and so on. There is no point in talking only about the cost of production. After all, each of the materials in question is specific for installation, and preparatory measures also require certain costs, including, in monetary terms.
It's no secret that cunning marketers often just "bred us".Therefore, the article can not be considered complete, if we do not dwell on this question. Both advertising and most sellers in the field either do not tell the whole truth, or give a biased evaluation of the properties of the proposed product.
By the way, even those who have already purchased such products do not fully know all such "secrets", because in practice they did not manage to encounter some "surprises" in practice. Therefore, do not blindly trust someone else's "competent" opinion.
What is the most common manifestation of "craftiness"?
Parquet board is subject to repair, and laminate - no
What is the "catch"?
First of all, , it is still necessary to find a master who can perform repair of boards in a qualitative way. And if there is such a one, he will ask for work so much that any desire to do this will disappear. It will be cheaper to simply replace 1 to 2 products. And in this difference, no( between the panels of the parquet and laminate) there.
Secondly, , even if the repair will be done neatly, then the appearance of such a board will clearly "fade."And how will it look against the background of the others?
Thirdly, , if the installation is done using the "floating floor" technique, then repair is impossible in principle - they will bend when processing the boards.
Parquet panels are environmentally friendly, laminate - no
What is the "catch"?
Layers( lamellas) in a parquet board are bonded by gluing. And if there is an adhesive compound, then there is "chemistry".So it's not worth talking about the absolute ecological compatibility of the products. It's all about her quality. If you care about this particular issue, then the products of a little known producer should not be purchased.
Board parquet well "jams" steps, and laminate - no
What is the "catch"?
If you qualitatively prepare the foundation, correctly choose( and mount) the type of substrate, it makes no difference. The most quality is considered to be cork, from the varieties of "dry screed" - from thick( puff) plywood.
Board is more durable than laminate
What is the "catch"?
The service life depends on how correctly the variety of a particular product is selected, how it is mounted, what is taken into account, and what is left without attention? Much is also determined by caring for the floor covering, its regularity, and also a number of other factors. Therefore, such a comparison is incorrect in principle.
Conclusion
What is most important for us, what properties of products do we consider to be priority? After all, the similarity of many characteristics suggests that for the same room equally good as a laminate, and a parquet board. Therefore, it is necessary to focus first of all not on the appearance of the finish, but on the expediency of using the material in a particular room. A floor covering( under all equal conditions) as a laminate, and a parquet board will require approximately the same costs.
